PAVN/VC Troops Hold Imperial Capital Huế

The battle for Huế, Vietnam's third-largest city, marked a critical phase in the conflict between the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN). In a strategic shift, the South Vietnamese President Thiệu ordered that Huế be held at all costs, but this directive was met with confusion and inconsistency as he changed policies multiple times. As the PAVN launched their offensive on Huế, panic ensued among the civilian population, leading many to seek refuge at the airport and docks. The ARVN's resistance began to crumble under the pressure of the PAVN assault, which intensified on 22 March. The situation escalated further as PAVN rockets targeted Da Nang and its airport, signaling a broader offensive in the region. By the end of March, approximately 35,000 PAVN troops were positioned to attack the suburbs of Huế, and the ARVN's ability to mount an effective defense was severely compromised. The culmination of this assault resulted in the surrender of around 100,000 ARVN troops as the PAVN advanced through Da Nang, effectively ending organized resistance in the Central Highlands and Northern provinces. This shift not only marked a significant territorial gain for the PAVN but also highlighted the disintegration of ARVN morale and command structure, leading to a rapid change in the dynamics of the conflict in Vietnam.